Dubai Desert Safari: Dune Bashing, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Red dunes adventure, camel ride, sunset campfire & BBQ in Dubai

You’ll race over Dubai’s red dunes in a 4WD with a local guide before trying sandboarding and camel rides at sunset. At camp, sip coffee, taste BBQ dishes, watch traditional dance shows or get henna painted under torchlight. It’s energetic but there are these quieter moments too — you might find yourself thinking about them long after you’re back in your hotel room.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost skipped the desert safari because I thought it’d be too touristy. But sitting in that 4WD as our driver Hassan grinned and floored it over the Lahbab dunes… well, my stomach dropped (in a good way). The sand was this wild orange-red under the late sun. You could smell the heat — dry, but not empty. We stopped at a high point for photos and I tried to stand still but my shoes filled up with sand immediately. Hassan laughed and showed us how to tie the scarf properly so it wouldn’t whip around. He said something about “desert hair” being a real thing here.

The dune bashing part was way more fun than I expected. It’s loud — tires squealing, people whooping in the back seat, even one guy nervously clutching his phone like it might fly out the window. Afterward we tried sandboarding (I fell twice) and then clambered onto camels for a short ride while the sky started to turn pinkish-grey. There was this moment where everything felt quiet except for distant voices and the soft crunch of hooves on sand. Kind of peaceful, actually.

If you go for the longer day trip — which I did — you end up at this Bedouin-style camp all lit up with torches. The air smelled like grilled meat and sweet shisha smoke. I got henna on my hand (the artist smiled when I flinched at how cold it felt), tried on a kandura for a photo (Li laughed when I tried to say “shukran” in Arabic), and drank thick coffee that made me feel oddly awake after all that sun. The BBQ buffet was better than I expected — kebabs, salads, hummus — and there were these dancers who spun so fast their skirts looked like spinning tops from my childhood. On the drive back to Dubai city lights started showing up again through the window and honestly, I kind of missed the quiet already.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert safari with activities and dinner

• Pickup from Dubai hotel
• Drive to Lahbab desert
• Enjoy dune bashing and photo stops
• Try optional quad biking
• Visit torchlit Bedouin camp
• Try sandboarding and Arabian coffee
• Enjoy shisha and henna tattoos
• Dress in traditional attire for photos
• Take photos with Arabian falcons
• Feast on BBQ buffet dinner
• Watch belly dancing and Tanoura show
• Return to Dubai hotel

Top questions

How long does the Dubai desert safari last?

You can choose between a 4-hour program or an extended 7-hour experience including dinner and extra activities.

Is hotel pickup included in this desert safari?

Yes, pickup from your Dubai hotel is included with both options.

What activities are included in the full-day tour?

The 7-hour day trip includes dune bashing, sandboarding, camel rides, henna painting, shisha, traditional attire photos, BBQ dinner, belly dancing and Tanoura show.

Are meals provided during the desert safari?

The longer tour includes a BBQ buffet dinner with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options plus snacks and drinks.

Is quad biking available on this tour?

Quad biking is available as an optional activity on site for an additional fee.

Is this desert safari suitable for children or infants?

Infant seats are available upon request; however some activities may not be suitable for young children or those with health concerns.

Where does this Dubai desert safari take place?

The tour takes place in Lahbab desert outside Dubai city limits.

What should I wear on a Dubai desert safari?

Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting sandy; headscarves are helpful against wind and sun.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your Dubai hotel by air-conditioned 4WD vehicle with an expert local driver. You’ll get bottled water and snacks along the way before dune bashing across Lahbab’s red sands. Try sandboarding or camel riding at sunset then relax at a torchlit Bedouin-style camp where you can enjoy Arabian coffee or tea, shisha pipes if you want them, henna painting on your hands or arms, dress up for photos with falcons or traditional clothes if you feel brave enough (I did). A full BBQ buffet dinner is served alongside live Tanoura spinning dance shows and belly dancing performances before drop-off back at your hotel late evening.